It didn’t take long for the Dolphins to react to their dismal defensive performance in Monday’s game against the Patriots. One day after quarterback Tom Brady destroyed Miami’s secondary, the Dolphins cut cornerback Benny Sapp and replaced him with Will Allen, who was originally cut after the team’s final preseason game.

It’s an interesting move, since the team will have to still pay Sapp his entire salary for the rest of the season. But the team, after the performance, owned up to the mistake of cutting Allen before the season rather than Sapp. Both players were battling all camp for the nickel job, and coach Tony Sparano said Wednesday that Sapp originally won the job mostly because Allen was always too injured to get enough repetitions.

But given the amount of leadership Allen can provide, in addition to his versatility as a nickel or a base corner, the Dolphins felt he is now better suited for the roster. Expect to see Allen get back to business right away, serving as the nickel corner in Sunday’s game against the Texans.

Notes: Running back Daniel Thomas and H-back Charles Clay, who both missed Monday’s game with hamstring injuries, returned to practice Wednesday. The pair of rookies is expected at this point to make their NFL debuts on Sunday – barring any setbacks between now and then. Thomas’ presence should be particularly helpful, since he is supposed to serve as the complimentary back to Reggie Bush. Clay should also have an early role with the team, but how much he plays is largely unknown at this point.